PA COVID-19 Resources

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Key Information

Health

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, or have been in contact with a person known to have Coronavirus (COVID-19), stay home and call your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested or need care.

Sick Leave

College Students

Federal student loans: until Sep. 30, interest will not accumulate, payments are suspended, and garnishment of wages, Social Security benefits, and tax refunds for student loan debt collection is halted

PA 529 account funds that have been refunded can be returned to the account within 60 days to avoid penalties or taxes

Small Business Loans

401(k) and IRA Withdrawals

Under the CARES Act, individuals impacted by coronavirus can access up to $100,000 from their 401(k)s and IRAs with fewer consequences than usual (if you have exhausted most other resources available to you)

Financial Assistance

Financial Hardship

The PA DHS has an Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) to help eligible families who lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time payment to assist them in meeting basic needs

Applications will be accepted from May 11 through June 12 or until all funds are expended, so please apply quickly

Pennsylvanians can apply for Medicaid, the EAP, SNAP, CHIP, and other public assistance programs at any time through COMPASS

It is recommended to use the website rather than the app on mobile devices

Individuals experiencing financial hardship should reach out to creditors, utility companies, and landlords to understand what assistance they may be offering or willing to negotiate

Child Care

Certified child care centers and group child care homes operated outside of a residence are closed until the end of the academic year: this includes PA Pre-K Counts, HSSAP, Preschool Early Intervention, Private Academic Nursery Schools and locally-funded prekindergarten activities

Education

All schools statewide remain closed for the remainder of the academic year

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced the cancellation of all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year